Matthews reveals his status for Thursday's game in Calgary
After a bit of a concerning scene at the end of the third period in Monday's matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes, Auston Matthews returned to practice on Wednesday and looked like his regular dynamic self, showing no limitations and wearing a regular jersey.
Matthews had taken an errant knee to the back of the head in Monday's contest and was shaken up on the play. Concussion protocol kicked in and mandated Auston to the team's medical room for examination and he did not return for overtime. Thankfully, his line mate and close friend Mitch Marner buried his second of the game to seal the deal in OT and pick up the big extra point for the Buds.
The big question on Wednesday seemed to be whether or not Matthews would be good to go in time for Thursday's matchup with the Calgary Flames on the road in Calgary. Following practice, Matthews gave us our answer, stating that although he was shaken up on the hit, he is good to go tomorrow night.
Matthews is on a torrid goalscoring pace again this season (surprise, surprise) and trails only Leon Draisaitl and Chris Kreider in the Rocket Richard Trophy race. Draisaitl sits one ahead of Matthews' 31 goals with 32, and Kreider leads the league with 33 goals - though the Rangers have played four more games than both the Leafs and the Oilers.
